Ball joint function in car
Ball joints are generally found in car suspension components. Ball joints are attached with other suspension components, such as the lower arm or upper arm. We can find this ball joint on the stabilizer, stabilizer link, inner tie rod, outer tie rod, or lateral arm.
A ball joint in a car suspension can be likened to a hinge that joins the two arms but still gives each arm the freedom to move according to the direction of the hinge.
That way, the vibrations and shocks between the tires can be channelled without damaging the existing arm components. So what is the function of a ball joint in the car? Check out the following explanation regarding the function of ball joints in cars.
1. The rotary axis when the wheel turns
The most common ball joint function is as a rotary axis when the car wheel turns. Yes, when the wheel is turned right or left, the ball joint will become the rotating axis for the knuckle arm component (the component that support the car's wheels and brakes).
The knuckle component at the top is connected to the upper arm, while the lower part is connected to the lower arm. The two existing arms (upper arm and lower arm) have a ball joint that moves together when the knuckle arm shifts.
That way, the two ball joints will become the rotating axis when the wheel turns right or left.
2. Fastening the suspension components with knuckles
The next ball joint function is as a component that binds and connects other suspension components from both the knuckle arm to the body or the knuckle arm to the vehicle's steering system. With the ball joint, the suspension and steering components in the vehicle will be tied together and connected.
Although these suspension components are tied together, ball joints allow these suspension components to move freely following the wheel movements. For example, when driving on bumpy roads, turning the wheel while maintaining the position of the components on the vehicle body, etc.
Also read:3. Support to withstand vertical and lateral loads
The last ball joint function is as a support to withstand the vertical loads and lateral loads that the wheels receive from the road. When the wheels go on a bumpy road, the vertical loads that arise from the body and wheels of the vehicle will rest on this ball joint.
Likewise, when the car wheels are turned, the wheels will impose the lateral load on the ball joint to prevent deviation of the direction of motion and the speed of the vehicle wheels.